Shusterman takes oath for third term

HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 -- State Rep. Melissa Shusterman took the oath of office in the state Capitol today to begin another term representing the 157th Legislative District.

The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-24 legislative session of the Pennsylvania House. During this session, Shusterman will serve as deputy vice chair of the House Democratic Policy Committee; other committee assignments have yet to be announced.

Shusterman said she will prioritize women’s health care, government transparency, infrastructure deficiencies, investing in public schools and strengthening protections for the environment.

“For the first time in more than a decade, the PA House has a real opportunity to address the inequities and deficiencies we see across the commonwealth,” said Shusterman, D-Chester. “I am eager to get to work to pass commonsense legislation that meets the needs of my constituents. I am honored to have another chance to represent the residents of the 157th Legislative District.”

Shusterman said her office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating assistance, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and property tax/rent rebate assistance. Residents can find out more by going to RepShusterman.com.

Court of Common Pleas Judge John McNally administered the oath of office. This year marks Pennsylvania’s 207th legislative session.

The Democratic Caucus continues to become more reflective of the commonwealth, with 35 women and 34 people of color. In addition, this is the largest and most diverse class of freshman legislators in over a decade; there are 26 new members, including eight women, in the Democratic Caucus.